TPI January 2009

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44 Tube Products International January 2009
Construct ion and
Bui lding
Solutions for engineering
and construction projects
London and the South East of England are experiencing a surge in the
development of prestigious projects, particularly in the sports, educational
and leisure sectors. Many of these projects include venues and transportation
systems that have to be completed by the time London hosts the Olympic Games
in 2012. Saint-Gobain Pipelines is capitalising on the opportunities presented
by the upturn in such projects.
Saint-Gobain Pipelines is a supplier
of ductile iron and cast iron products
to the UK’s key utilities, telecoms,
highways, civil engineering, construction
and housing sectors, and is a leader
in the supply of cast iron soil and
drainage and rainwater systems, ductile
iron water and sewer pipes, fittings,
valves and adaptors, and ductile iron
access covers and gratings. Together
with its international parent company,
Saint-Gobain PAM, the company has
provided solutions for engineering and
construction projects in over 80 world capitals and more than 1,000 major cities.
“By working closely with our customers we are developing targeted engineering
solutions that create a lasting legacy which will benefit the environment and local
and international communities for years to come,” commented John Wilson, key
account director, building services and industrial at Saint-Gobain Pipelines.
The company’s pipes, fittings and drainage systems have been used in many
internationally renowned UK venues, including the British Library, the Royal
Albert Hall, Arsenal’s new Emirates stadium, the Centre Court at Wimbledon,
the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Bluewater Shopping Centre. The company
also provides the infrastructure to support efficient operation of essential
public amenities, such as hospitals, schools, libraries, retail developments and
pumping stations, as well as high quality residential properties and commercial
office buildings. As part of Saint-Gobain’s focus on the area of London and the
South East of England, the company has set up a permanent exhibition called
the Saint-Gobain Innovation Centre. Located in London Docklands, the centre
showcases the company’s expertise and range of products relevant for the
varied projects in the capital, and provides a venue for the company’s staff to
discuss products and services with architects, contractors and engineers.
Saint-Gobain Pipelines – UK
•
Saint-Gobain Pipelines’ rainwater S S
systems were recently specified for
the redevelopment of Twickenham
Stadium
be spent on airside buildings and
clearways alone. Investments in road
and train connections, as well as multi-
story parking, hotels and conference
centres, add to the total. As with every
airport project, it is a special challenge
to ensure unobstructed airport traffic
during the entire construction period.
The airport area will span a total of
approximately 1,470 ha – equal to 2,000
soccer fields. The optimal discharge of
rainwater is therefore a top priority. Apart
from the airstrips, further extensions
for additional open space and parking
lots are planned, which also require
professional drainage.
The high-performing airport sets high
demands on its future pipe systems:
high loads incomparable with those of
road traffic, and aggressive substances
such as kerosene and anti-freeze, which
are employed especially during the cold
season, had to be considered when
choosing the right pipe material. After
extensively comparing the options, the
client chose Hobas CC-GRP SewerLine®
systems. Significant criteria were the
systems’ hydraulic performance, their
ability to bear high static loads and their
corrosion resistance. Reaction forces
resulting from internal pressure work
on the bends are overcome with locked
sections and ground anchors.
The first pipes, produced by Hobas Pipe
Germany, were installed in April 2008.
The contractor consortium was said to
be highly satisfied with the technical
support of Hobas, which includes the
elaboration of line and installation
plans, as well as installation support
and pressure tests on-site by Hobas
technicians. To keep construction times
as short as possible, logistics were
carried out in close cooperation with
all parties. A total of 8km of Hobas
SewerLine DN 600-1600 with pressure
classes PN 6 to PN 10 were expected to
be installed by September 2008.
Hobas has previous experience on the
airfield, with successfully implemented
projects such as the drainage system
at Munich Airport and the rehabilitation
of the sewer system at Schiphol Airport
in Amsterdam. Hobas Benelux has also
secured an agreement as preferred
supplier of pipe systems for Schiphol
Airport.
Hobas – Austria
Reconstruction at Berlin airport
The Berlin-Schönefeld airport is currently
being reconstructed and extended to
become the new international airport
BBI (Berlin-Brandenburg International).
From2011, air trafficwill be concentrated
in the southeast of the city, allowing the
inner city airports Tegel and Tempelhof
to be closed down step-by-step.
With the establishment of giant new
airfields, a solution for an extensive
pressured drainage system had to be
found. Hobas CC-GRP Pipe Systems
ranging from DN 600 to 1600 were
chosen for this purpose. The airport
welcomed over 6.3 million passengers
in 2007, almost four times the number
from five years ago. Low budget flights
to destinations all over Europe make
the airport suitable for both tourists
and business people. Around 20 million
passengers are expected for 2011, and
a capacity extension to 40 million people
per year is possible. The costs for
implementing this project will amount
to around €2 billion. €445 million will